Shift operating device

ABSTRACT

A shift operating device for a bicycle is provided to change gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled to the front or rear derailleur via a shift cable. The shift operating device is also coupled to a gear indicator device via an indicator cable. The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operating portion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point. The first and second cable attachment points of the take up member are located such that shift and indicator cables extend outwardly from the take up member and winds about the peripheral winding surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention generally relates to a shift operating device fora bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shiftoperating device with a gear indicator that is operatively connected toa part of the transmission system of a bicycle to indicate the positionof the front or rear gears of the bicycle.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreationas well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become avery popular competitive sport. Whether the bicycle is used forrecreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry isconstantly improving their components. In particular, bicycle componentsare constantly becoming lighter and less expensive while maintaining ahigh level of performance. Moreover, bicycle components are constantlybeing designed so as to be more ergonomic and user friendly. Oneparticular component of the bicycle that has been extensively redesignedover the past years, are the shifting units of bicycles.

[0005] There are many types of shifting units that are currentlyavailable on the market. The shifting units range in quality and price.Regardless of the quality and price of the shifting unit, the shiftingunit typically will have some sort of gear position indicator.Typically, the gear position indicator is located at the take-up memberof the shift operating device that winds up the inner wire of the shiftcontrol cable. Thus, the rider must look towards the handle portion ofthe handlebars in order to determine the current gear positions.Accordingly, this is very inconvenient for the rider. One example ofsuch a shifting device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,052,241 toNagano and 5,458,018 to Kawakame.

[0006] Accordingly, gear indicators have been developed which aremounted on a center portion of the bicycle so that the rider does nothave to take his or her eyes off of the road to determine the currentgear position. Examples of gear indicators or displays that are mountedon a center portion of the bicycle are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,524,979 to Cohen and 5,178,033 to Kund. Another example of anindicator that is mounted on a center portion of the bicycle isdisclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 60-24273 whichdiscloses a shifter mounted on the upper horizontal frame tube and inwhich the indicator is mounted on a center portion of the handlebars.However, these types of gear indicators are often difficult to installand are complicated and expensive.

[0007] In view of the above, there exists a need for a shift operatingdevice which overcomes the above mentioned problems in the prior art.This invention addresses this need in the prior art as well as otherneeds, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a shiftoperating device that is used with a remote gear indicator.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shiftoperating device with a take up member that can be adapted to varioustypes of hand actuators.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a shiftoperating device with a simple and light construction

[0011] Also an object of the present invention is to provide a shiftoperating device for a bicycle which overcomes the disadvantages of theprior art noted above.

[0012] The above objects can be fulfilled, according to the presentinvention, by providing a shift operating device for a bicycle thatchanges gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device is coupled tothe front or rear derailleur via a first cable. The shift operatingdevice is also coupled to a gear indicator device via a second cable.The shift operating device has an attachment portion, a hand operatingportion, and a take up member. The attachment portion is adapted to becoupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle. The hand operatingportion is coupled to the attachment portion to move between a pluralityof shifting positions. The take up member is operatively coupled to thehand operating portion to move in response to movement of the handoperating portion. The take up member has a peripheral winding surface,a first cable attachment point and a second cable attachment point. Thefirst and second cable attachment points of the take up member arelocated such that first and second cables extend outwardly from the takeup member and winds about the peripheral winding surface.

[0013] The above objects can also be fulfilled, according to the presentinvention, by providing a shift operating device for a bicycle thatchanges gears of the bicycle. The shift operating device has anattachment portion, a hand operating portion, a take up member, a firstcable housing support and a second cable housing support. The attachmentportion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of thebicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachment portionto move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take up member isoperatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move in response tomovement of the hand operating portion. The first cable housing supportis located adjacent the take up member, and has a first cable housingreceiving bore to guide the first cable from the take up member. Thesecond cable housing support is located adjacent the first cable housingsupport, and has a second cable housing receiving bore to guide a secondcable from the take up member. The second cable housing receiving boreis arranged to extend longitudinally in substantially the same directionas the first cable housing receiving bore.

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, theforgoing objects can be attained by providing a shift operating devicefor a bicycle, comprising an attachment portion, a hand operatingportion, a take up member, an indicator cable and a gear indicator. Theattachment portion is adapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebarof the bicycle. The hand operating portion is coupled to the attachmentportion to move between a plurality of shifting positions. The take upmember is operatively coupled to the hand operating portion to move inresponse to movement of the hand operating portion. The take up memberhas a peripheral winding surface, a first cable attachment point and asecond cable attachment point. The first and second cable attachmentpoints of the take up member are located such that first and secondcables extend outwardly from the take up member and winds about theperipheral winding surface. The indicator cable has a first end and asecond end with the first end located in the peripheral surface of thetake up member. The gear indicator has an indicator housing with anindicator member coupled to the second end of the indicator cable formovement of the indicator member relative to the indicator housing.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hand operatingportion is in the form of a lever member, while in other embodiments ofthe present invention, the hand operating portion is in the form of arotatable tubular hand actuator. In the rotatable tubular hand actuatorembodiments of the present invention, the take up member can beconstructed of two take-up parts or a single take up part.

[0016] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

[0018]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional bicycleequipped with a shifting unit in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 is a partial top plan view of the handlebar of theconventional bicycle equipped with the shifting unit mounted togetherwith a brake lever assembly in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective view of the handlebar withthe right shift operating device coupled thereto in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 4 is a first side elevational view of a take up member forthe right shift operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the take up member illustrated inFIG. 4 for the right shift operating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a second side elevational view of the take up memberillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 for the right shift operating deviceillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0024]FIG. 7 is a third side elevational view of the take up memberillustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6 for the right shift operating deviceillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the take up memberillustrated in FIGS. 4 through 7 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention as viewed along section line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

[0026]FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the take up memberillustrated in FIGS. 4 through 8 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention as viewed along section line 9-9 of FIG. 7;

[0027]FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the take up memberillustrated in FIGS. 4 through 9 in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention as viewed along section line 10-10 of FIG. 4;

[0028]FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a right shift operatingdevice coupled thereto in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0029]FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of rightshift operating device illustrated in FIG. 10 with certain parts notillustrated;

[0030]FIG. 13 is an exploded elevational view of a portion of rightshift operating device illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 with certain partsnot illustrated;

[0031]FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a right shift operatingdevice coupled thereto in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0032]FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of right gearindicator assembly illustrated in FIG. 2 with certain parts notillustrated;

[0033]FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the right gear indicator illustratedin FIGS. 2 and 15 for the right shift operating device illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0034]FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the right gearindicator illustrated in FIGS. 2, 15 and 16 for the right shiftoperating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention as viewed along section line 17-17of FIG. 16;

[0035]FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the right gearindicator illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 17 for the right shiftoperating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention with the indicator member in the lowgear (rightmost) position;

[0036]FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the right gearindicator illustrated in FIGS. 15 through 18 for the right shiftoperating device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention with the indicator member in thehigh gear (leftmost) position after elongation of the cable;

[0037]FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of right gearindicator assembly illustrated in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0038]FIG. 21 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the right gearindicator illustrated in FIG. 20 in accordance with another embodimentof the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 22 is a top plan view of a portion of right gear indicatorassembly illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0040]FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the right gear indicator illustratedin FIG. 22 with the indicator member in the high gear (leftmost)position after elongation of the cable, but prior to adjustment of thecover;

[0041]FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the right gear indicator illustratedin FIGS. 22 and 23 with the indicator member in the high gear (leftmost)position after elongation of the cable, but after adjustment of thecover;

[0042]FIG. 25 is a partial front perspective view of the handlebar withthe gear indicators mounted thereto by the gear indicator holder inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043]FIG. 26 is an exploded partial front perspective view of thehandlebar with the gear indicators mounted thereto by the gear indicatorholder illustrated in FIG. 25 in accordance with the present invention;

[0044]FIG. 27 is a partial front perspective view of the handlebar withthe gear indicators mounted thereto by a gear indicator holder inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045]FIG. 28 is an exploded partial front perspective view of thehandlebar with the gear indicators mounted thereto by the gear indicatorholder illustrated in FIG. 27 in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional bicycle 10is illustrated with a pair of shifting units 11 a and 11 b coupledthereto in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.Bicycle 10 is a typical bicycle that includes a frame 12, a handlebar13, a pair of wheels 14, a pair of pedals 15 for driving a chain 16, arear derailleur 17 that guides chain 16 laterally along a plurality ofrear sprockets mounted to rear wheel 14 and a front derailleur 18 thatguides chain 16 laterally along a plurality of front sprockets mountedto the bottom bracket (not shown).

[0047] Bicycle 10 and its various components, except for shifting units11 a and 11 b, are well-known in the prior art. Thus, bicycle 10 and itsvarious components will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein, except for the components that relate to the present invention.In other words, only shifting units 11 a and 11 b and the componentsthat relate thereto will be discussed and/or illustrated herein.

[0048] Shifting units 11 a and 11 b are fixedly coupled to handlebar 13of bicycle 10 and operatively coupled to rear derailleur 17 and frontderailleur 18. Each of these shifting units 11 a and 11 b aresubstantially identical to each other, except that shifting unit 11 a iscoupled to rear derailleur 17 which has seven shift positions, andshifting unit 11 b is operatively coupled to front derailleur 18 whichhas only three gear shifting positions. Of course, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art that shifting units 11 a and 11 b can haveany number of gear shifting positions. The number of gear shiftingpositions or stages will depend upon the number of gears or sprocketsused in the bicycle's transmission. In other words, while shifting unit11 a is illustrated as a seven-stage shifting unit and shifting unit 11b is illustrated as a three-stage shifting unit, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from this disclosure that shifting units 11 aand 11 b can be constructed with additional stages or fewer stages asneeded and/or desired.

[0049] As used herein, the terms “forward, rearward, upward, above,downward, below and transverse” refer to those directions of a bicyclein its normal riding position. Accordingly, these terms as utilized todescribe shifting units 11 a and 11 b in the claims, should beinterpreted relative to bicycle 10 in its normal riding position.

[0050] Shifting unit 11 a basically includes a first shift operatingdevice 19 a operatively coupled to rear derailleur 17 via first shiftcable 20 a, and a first gear indicator 21 a operatively coupled to firstshift operating device 19 a by a first indicator cable 22 a. Similarly,shifting unit 11 b basically includes a second shift operating device 19b operatively coupled to front derailleur 18 via second shift cable 20b, and a second gear indicator 21 b operatively coupled to second shiftoperating device 19 b by a second indicator cable 22 b.

[0051] Basically, shift operating devices 19 a and 19 b aresubstantially identical to each other, except that they are mirrorimages and have different numbers of gear shifting stages. Preferably,first shift operating device 19 a has seven shifting stages, whilesecond shift operating device 19 b has three shift operating stages.Similarly, first gear indicator 21 a is substantially identical tosecond gear indicator 21 b, except that they are substantial mirrorimages and have different numbers of shifting stages. The shiftingstages of gear indicators 21 a and 21 b correspond to the number ofshifting stages in shift operating devices 19 a and 19 b, respectively.In other words, if first shift operating device 19 a has seven shiftstages, first gear indicator 21 a has seven gear indicating positions.Likewise, if second shift operating device 19 b has three shifting stagepositions, second gear indicator 21 b also has three gear indicatingpositions.

[0052] As seen in FIGS. 2, 25 and 26, a gear indicator holder 23 isillustrated for adjustably supporting first and second gear indicators21 a and 21 b discussed in more detail. Gear indicator holder 23 isdesigned to allow the shifting units 11 a and 11 b to be easilyinstalled onto handlebars 13. Moreover, the gear indicator holder 23 isdesigned to accommodate various handlebars. Gear indicator holder 23adjustably supports gear indicators 21 a and 21 b such that gearindicators 21 a and 21 b can move in a direction that is substantiallyperpendicular to the vertical center plane of the bicycle. Morespecifically, gear indicator holder 23 is designed to be mountedadjacent to the center of the handlebar 13 with the gear indicators 21 aand 21 b being slidably coupled thereto for movement generally along thelongitudinal axis of handlebar 13. Gear indicator is discussed in moredetail below.

[0053] In view of the similarities between shift operating device 19 aand shift operating device 19 b, shift operating device 19 b will not bediscussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the descriptionand illustrations of shift operating device 19 a applies to theconstruction and operation of shift operating device 19 b. Similarly,gear indicator 21 b will not be discussed or illustrated in detailherein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that the construction and operation of second gearindicator 21 b can be obtained from the description of first gearindicator 21 a.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, shift operating device 19 a basicallyincludes an attachment portion 24, a hand operating portion 25, atake-up member 26, a shift cable housing support 27 and an indicatorcable housing support 28. Shift operating device 19 a is operativelycoupled to rear derailleur 17 via first shift cable 20 a and operativelycoupled to first gear indicator 21 a via first indicator cable 22 a.

[0055] Attachment portion 24 of this embodiment of shift operatingdevice 19 a is also the attachment portion for a brake lever 30. Ofcourse, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that attachmentportion 24 can be separate from the brake lever 30. Brake lever 30 isconnected to a brake control cable for controlling a brake device in aconventional manner.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment, attachment portion 24 has asubstantially circular clamping section 31 that has a longitudinal splitto form a pair of clamping jaws. The clamping jaws of clamping section31 are coupled together by a fastener (not shown) for tightening theclamping section 31 about handlebar 13. Since the attachment portion 24is relatively conventional to those skilled in the art, attachmentportion 24 will not be discussed or illustrated in further detailherein.

[0057] Attachment portion 24 preferably has pivot shaft (not shown) forrotatably mounting take up member 26 thereto. The pivot shaft has a freeend with a thread hole for threadedly receiving a fastener (not shown)therein. Since the precise connection between attachment portion 24 andtake up member 26 is not important to the present invention, theconnection between attachment portion 24 and take up member 26 will notbe discussed or illustrated further detail herein.

[0058] In this embodiment, hand operating portion 25 is in the form of alever that is fixedly coupled to take up member 26. When a rider pusheshand operating portion or lever 25, this movement of hand operatingportion or lever 25 causes take up member 26 to pivot about a rotationalaxis Y together with hand operating portion or lever 25. This movementof hand operating portion or lever 25 about rotational axis Y alsocauses the first shift cable 20 a to be pulled and/or released so as toshift the rear derailleur 17. This shifting of rear derailleur 17 causesthe chain 16 to move between gears. Movement of hand operating portionor lever 25 also causes indicator cable 22 a to be released or pulled sothat gear indicator 21 a displays the current gear position of chain 16.

[0059] Take up member 26 is rotatably mounted on attachment portion 24for rotating or pivoting about rotational axis Y due to movement of handoperating portion 25. The precise pivotal connection between take upmember 26 and attachment portion 24 is not critical to the presentinvention. Therefore, this connection will not be discussed orillustrated in detail herein. Moreover, it will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from this disclosure that the connection can besimilar to one of the subsequent embodiments disclosed herein.

[0060] Preferably, as best seen in FIGS. 4 through 10, take up member 26is a cylindrical spool-type member with an axially extending center hole34, a peripheral winding surface 35, a shift cable attachment point 36,an indicator cable attachment point 37, a connecting cable attachmentpoint 38. Preferably, center hole 34 is rotatably mounted on the pivotshaft (not shown) extending outwardly from attachment portion 24 forrotation about rotational axis Y.

[0061] While three attachment points are illustrated in this embodiment,it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that only shift cable attachment point 36 and an indicatorcable attachment point 37 are necessary for this embodiment. Connectingcable attachment point 38 is utilized in another embodiment of thepresent invention, which is discussed below.

[0062] Peripheral winding surface 35 has three peripheral windinggrooves or recesses 41, 42 and 43. While three peripheral windinggrooves or recesses are illustrated in this embodiment, it will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure thatonly two peripheral winding grooves or recesses are necessary for thisembodiment. The third peripheral winding grooves or recesses is utilizedin another embodiment of the present invention, which is discussedbelow.

[0063] Groove 41 is adapted to receive the shift cable 20 a, whilegroove 42 is designed to receive the indicator cable 22 a. Accordingly,rotation of take up member 26 will cause indicator cable 22 a and shiftcable 20 a to either be wound around peripheral winding surface 35 orunwound from peripheral winding surface 35.

[0064] As best seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 9, shift cable attachment point 36is preferably formed by an axially extending hole 44 and a outwardlyextending slot 45. Slot 45 connects with peripheral winding groove 41.Shift cable attachment point 36 is basically formed along the peripheralwinding surface 35.

[0065] As best seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, indicator cable attachmentpoint 37 is formed by an axially extending hole 46 and a connecting slot47 that exits out of the take up member 26 along its peripheral windingsurface 35. Slot 47 connects with peripheral winding groove 42. Theslots 45 and 47 of shift cable attachment point 36 and indicator cableattachment point 37 are such that shift cable 20 a and indicator cable22 a extends in a substantially parallel manner from take up member 26.The term “substantially parallel” as utilized to describe the indicatorcable 22 a and the shift cable 20 a exiting the take up member 26 andthe support housings should be construed as meaning an angle of as highas approximately 30°.

[0066] As best seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 10, connecting cable attachmentpoint 38 is formed by an axially extending hole 48 and a connecting slot49 that exits out of the take up member 26 along its peripheral windingsurface 35. Slot 49 connects with peripheral winding groove 43. Slot 49extends in substantially the opposite direction from slots 45 and 47 ofshift cable attachment point 36 and indicator cable attachment point 37.

[0067] Referring back to FIG. 3, also the shift cable housing support 27and the indicator cable housing support 28 are fixedly mounted onattachment portion 24. In accordance with this preferred embodiment, theshift cable housing support 27 and the indicator cable housing support28 have a common outer support that is fastened to attachment portion 24via a conventional fastener such as a screw or rivet (not shown).Alternatively, outer support for shift cable housing support 27 andindicator cable housing support 28 can be integrally formed with aportion of attachment portion 24 as seen in one of the laterembodiments.

[0068] Preferably, shift cable housing support 27 has a threaded bore 50for receiving an adjustment member or barrel 51 therein. The adjustmentmember 51 is threadedly received in the threaded bore 50 of shift cablehousing support 27 so that the relative position of the outer casing andthe inner wire of shift cable 20 a can be adjusted relative to eachother. Adjustment member 51 has a shift cable housing receiving bore 53.This shift cable housing receiving bore 53 is preferably a bore with afour to five millimeter diameter or slightly larger than a fivemillimeter diameter. In particular, shift cable housing receiving bore53 is designed to receive a four or five millimeter diameter shift cable20 a. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of shift cable housing receivingbore 53 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ofhandlebar 13.

[0069] A resistance enhancing spring (not shown) can be optionallydisposed within adjustment member 51 to prevent inadvertent movement ofadjustment member 51. Cable Adjustment member 51 operates in awell-known manner to adjust the tension on the inner wire of shift cable20 a.

[0070] Indicator cable housing support 28 preferably has a threaded bore54 for receiving an adjustment member 55 such that the adjustment member55 can be longitudinally adjusted relative to indicator cable housingsupport 28. The adjustment member 55 has an axially extending indicatorhousing receiving bore 56. Indicator cable housing receiving bore 56 issubstantially parallel to shift cable housing receiving bore 52 suchthat shift cable 20 a and indicator cable 22 a extend substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis X of the handlebar 13 as they exittheir respective cable housing supports 27 and 28. A slit 57 is formedin indicator cable housing support 28 and adjustment member 55 to permiteasy installation of indicator cable 22 a.

[0071] Since indicator cable 22 a is only operating gear indicator 21 a,indicator cable 22 a can be constructed of a smaller cable than shiftcable 20 a. For example, shift cable 20 a is preferably a four to fivemillimeter diameter cable and indicator cable 22 a is preferably a threeto four millimeter diameter cable. In other words, shift cable 20 a andindicator cable 22 a are substantially the same diameter with indicatorcable 22 a being slightly smaller in diameter than shift cable 20 a.

[0072] Shift cable 20 a preferably has a nipple 60 fixedly coupled on afirst cable end, while the other cable end is a free end. Indicatorcable 22 a, on the other hand, preferably, has a nipple 61 fixedlycoupled at a first end and a nipple 62 fixedly coupled at a second end.The nipple 60 of the shift cable 20 a is adapted to be coupled to theshift cable attachment point 36, while the other end of shift cable 20 ais coupled to rear derailleur 17. Nipples 61 of the indicator cable 22 ais adapted to be coupled to the indicator cable attachment point 37 oftake-up member 26, while nipple 62 is adapted to be coupled to the gearindicator 21 a.

[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 13, an alternate shiftoperating device embodiment 19′ is illustrated in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention. This alternative shiftoperating device 19′ is designed to be utilized with either first orsecond gear indicators 21 a or 21 b as well as with gear indicatorholder 23. This shift operating device 19′ is a grip-type of shiftingdevice. In particular, rotation of the grip or hand operating portion25′ causes the shift cable 20 a and the indicator cable 22 a to bereleased or pulled for shifting gears.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 11, shift operating device 19′ basicallyincludes an attachment portion 24′, a hand operating portion 25′, atake-up member 26′ (first and second take up parts 26 a and 26 bconnected by a connecting cable 29), a shift cable housing support 27′and an indicator cable housing support 28′. Shift operating device 19′is operatively coupled to rear or front derailleur 17 or 18 via shiftcable 20 a or 20 b and operatively coupled to one of the gear indicator21 a or 21 b via indicator cable 22 a or 22 b. Shift operating device19′ is mounted around the handlebar 13 via clamping section 65. Handoperating portion 25′ is a rotatable handgrip that is structured forrotation around an axis X that is coaxial with handlebar 13. Take-upmember 26′ pulls and releases the inner wires of shift cable 20 a andvia indicator cable 22 a as well pulls and releases connecting cable 29.

[0075]FIGS. 12 and 13 are an exploded view of a portion of shiftoperating device 19′ illustrating attachment portion 24′, hand operatingportion 25′ and take up member 26′ in more detail. The attachmentportion 24′ has a clamping section 65 that is used to fasten shiftoperating device 19′ to handlebar 13 and a support section 66. Clampingsection 65 includes a collar-shaped clamp member 67 structured to mountaround handlebar 13 with a clamp arm extending from clamping section 65to coupled the shift cable housing support 27′ and the indicator cablehousing support 28′ thereto.

[0076] Clamp section 65 also includes a clamping fastener 68 and a nut69 for a fastening attachment portion 24′ to a portion of handlebar 13.In particular, tightening clamping fastener 68 with nut 69 causesclamping section 65 to tighten around a portion of handlebar 13.

[0077] The attachment portion 24′ also a generally flat surface with apivot shaft 70 extending outwardly therefrom to rotatably support firsttake up part 26 a of take up member 26′ around an axis Y that isoriented differently (e.g., perpendicular) relative to the handlebaraxis X.

[0078] First take up part 26 a of take up member 26′ is retained onpivot shaft 70 by a fastener 71 and washer 72. The fastener 71 extendsinto a threaded opening 73 formed in the end of pivot shaft 70. Firsttake up part 26 a of take up member 26′ is preferably identical to takeup member 26 of the first embodiment as seen in FIGS. 4-10. Accordingly,first take up part 26 a of take up member 26′ will not be separatelyillustrated herein.

[0079] Preferably, first take up part 26 a of take up member 26′ is acylindrical spool-type member with an axially extending center hole 34′,a peripheral winding surface 35′, a shift cable attachment point 36′, anindicator cable attachment point 37′, a connecting cable attachmentpoint 38′. Preferably, center hole 34′ is rotatably mounted on the pivotshaft 70 extending outwardly from attachment portion 24′ for rotationabout rotational axis Y.

[0080] Peripheral winding surface 35′ has three peripheral windinggrooves or recesses 41′, 42′ and 43′. The third peripheral windinggrooves or recesses is utilized in another embodiment of the presentinvention, which is discussed below.

[0081] Groove 41′ is adapted to receive the shift cable 20 a. Groove 42′is designed to receive the indicator cable 22 a. Groove 43′ is designedto receive the connecting cable 29. Accordingly, rotation of take upmember 26′ will cause shift cable 20 a, indicator cable 22 a and theconnecting cable 29 to either be wound around peripheral winding surface35 or unwound from peripheral winding surface 35.

[0082] Shift cable attachment point 36′ is preferably formed by anaxially extending hole and an outwardly extending slot that connectswith peripheral winding groove 41′. Shift cable attachment point 36′ isbasically formed along the peripheral winding surface 35′. Indicatorcable attachment point 37′ is formed by an axially extending hole and aconnecting slot that exits out of the first take up part 26 a along itsperipheral winding surface 35′ to connect with peripheral winding groove42′. The slots of shift cable attachment point 36′ and indicator cableattachment point 37′ are such that shift cable 20 a and indicator cable22 a extends in a substantially parallel manner from first take up part26 a. The term “substantially parallel” as utilized to describe theindicator cable 22 a and the shift cable 20 a exiting first take up part26 a and the support housings should be construed as meaning an angle ofas high as approximately 30°. Connecting cable attachment point 38′ isformed by an axially extending hole and a connecting slot that exits outof the first take up part 26 a along its peripheral winding surface 35′to connect with peripheral winding groove 43′.

[0083]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a particular embodiment of thesecond take up part 26 b of the take member 26′ and indexing mechanism74 of the hand operating portion 25′. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13,second take up part 26 b of the take member 26′ is rotatably coupledabout the axis X of handlebar 13. Preferably, indexing mechanism 74 ofthe hand operating portion 25′ is used to control the movement of secondtake up part 26 b of the take member 26′ which in turn rotates firsttake up part 26 a by connecting cable 29.

[0084] As seen in FIG. 13, indexing mechanism 74 preferably includes afixed member 75, a rotatable handgrip or hand actuator 76 and anintermediate element 77. The fixed member 75 is fixedly attached tohandlebar 13 in such a way that it cannot rotate in relation tohandlebar 13. Rotatable handgrip 76 is a tubular member with grippingprotrusions capable of rotating around the handlebar axis X on fixedmember 75.

[0085] Rotatable handgrip 76 can have a variety of shapes. Thus, theterm “tubular member” as used herein is not limited to a cylindricaltube, but also includes non-circular tubes as well as frustoconicallyshapes of circular and non-circular tubes.

[0086] Intermediate element 77 (called “an idler”) meshes with both thefixed member 75 and the rotatable handgrip 76, and can rotate around thehandlebar axis X. Intermediate element 77 can also move along thehandlebar axis X. Take-up part 26 b of the take member 26′ remains inconstant gear engagement with the intermediate element 77, and can thusrotate integrally with intermediate element 77. Indexing mechanisms suchas indexing mechanism 74 are well-known in the art, and thus, indexingmechanism 74 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

[0087] A cable adjustment barrel or member 51′ is threaded into the endof the shift cable housing 27′. The cable adjustment barrel or member51′ receiving outer casing of shift cable 20 a. The cable adjustmentbarrel or member operates in a well-manner to adjust the tension oninner wire of shift cable 20′.

[0088] Also fixedly mounted on attachment portion 24′ are the shiftcable housing support 27′ and the indicator cable housing support 28′.In accordance with this preferred embodiment, the shift cable housingsupport 27′ and the indicator cable housing support 28′ have a commonouter support that is fastened to attachment portion 24′ via aconventional fastener such as a screw or rivet (not shown).Alternatively, outer support for shift cable housing support 27′ andindicator cable housing support 28′ can be integrally formed with aportion of attachment portion 24 as seen in one of the laterembodiments.

[0089] Preferably, shift cable housing support 27′ has a threaded bore50′ for receiving an adjustment member or barrel 51′ therein. Theadjustment member 51′ is threadedly received in the threaded bore 50′ ofshift cable housing support 27′ so that the relative position of theouter casing and the inner wire of shift cable 20 a can be adjustedrelative to each other. Adjustment member 51′ has a shift cable housingreceiving bore 53′. This shift cable housing receiving bore 53′ ispreferably a bore with a four to five millimeter diameter or slightlylarger than a five millimeter diameter. In particular, shift cablehousing receiving bore 53′ is designed to receive a four or fivemillimeter diameter shift cable 20 a. Preferably, the longitudinal axisof shift cable housing receiving bore 53′ extends substantially parallelto the longitudinal axis of handlebar 13.

[0090] Indicator cable housing support 28′ preferably has a threadedbore (not shown) for receiving an adjustment member 55′ such that theadjustment member 55′ can be longitudinally adjusted relative toindicator cable housing support 28′. The adjustment member 55′ has anaxially extending indicator housing receiving bore 56′. Indicator cablehousing receiving bore 56′ is substantially parallel to shift cablehousing receiving bore 52′ such that shift cable 20 a and indicatorcable 22 a extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X ofthe handlebar 13 as they exit their respective cable housing supports27′ and 28′. A slit 57′ is formed in indicator cable housing support 28′and adjustment member 55′ to permit easy installation of indicator cable22 a.

[0091] Referring now to FIG. 14, a further alternative embodiment of theshift operating device 19″ is illustrated in accordance with the presentinvention. Shift operating device 19″ basically includes an attachmentportion 24″, a hand operating portion 25″, a take-up member 26″, a shiftcable housing support 27″ and an indicator cable housing support 28″.Shift cable housing support 27″ and an indicator cable housing support28″ are integrally formed with a portion of attachment portion 24″.

[0092] Similar to the second embodiment, this shift operating device 19″is a grip-type shifter in which rotation of the grip causes shifting ofthe gears. This alternative shift operating device 19″ is designed to beutilized with either first or second gear indicators 21 a or 21 b aswell as with gear indicator holder 23.

[0093] This shift operating device 19″ is a simplified grip-type ofshifting device. In particular, when shift operating device 19″ isoperatively coupled to rear derailleur 17 and gear indicator 21 a,rotation of the grip or hand operating portion 25″ causes the shiftcable 20 a and the indicator cable 22 a to be released or pulled forshifting gears. The basic difference between this third embodiment andthe second embodiment is that a single take-up member 26″ is utilized.This take-up member 26″ is located about a longitudinal axis X that issubstantially parallel or concentric with the longitudinal axis X of thehandlebar portion upon which the shift operating device 19″ is attached.Take-up member 26″ is substantially identical to take up member 26 ofthe first embodiment, except that the central pivot opening 34″is largerto accommodate handlebar 13 therein.

[0094] Preferably, shift cable housing support 27″ has a threaded bore50″ for receiving an adjustment member or barrel 51″ therein. Theadjustment member 51″ is threadedly received in the threaded bore 50″ ofshift cable housing support 27″ so that the relative position of theouter casing and the inner wire of shift cable 20 a can be adjustedrelative to each other. Adjustment member 51″ has a shift cable housingreceiving bore 53″. This shift cable housing receiving bore 53″ ispreferably a bore with a four to five millimeter diameter or slightlylarger than a five millimeter diameter. In particular, shift cablehousing receiving bore 53″ is designed to receive a four or fivemillimeter diameter shift cable 20 a. Preferably, the longitudinal axisof shift cable housing receiving bore 53″ extends substantially parallelto the longitudinal axis of handlebar 13.

[0095] Indicator cable housing support 28″ preferably has a threadedbore 54″ for receiving an adjustment member 55″ such that the adjustmentmember 55″ can be longitudinally adjusted relative to indicator cablehousing support 28″. The adjustment member 55″ has an axially extendingindicator housing receiving bore 56″. Indicator cable housing receivingbore 56″ is substantially parallel to shift cable housing receiving bore52″ such that shift cable 20 a and indicator cable 22 a extendsubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the handlebar 13 asthey exit their respective cable housing supports 27″ and 28″. A slit57″ is formed in indicator cable housing support 28″ and adjustmentmember 55″ to permit easy installation of indicator cable 22 a.

[0096] In view of the similarities of this embodiment with priorembodiments, this embodiment will not be discussed or illustrated indetail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that the description of the prior embodiments, thesubsequent embodiments, can be utilized to understand the operation andconstruction of this embodiment.

[0097] Turning now to FIGS. 15-19, gear indicator 21 a will now bedescribed in more detail. Gear indicator 21 a basically includes ahousing 80, an indicator member 81, a cable hook adapter 82, a biasingmember 83 and a pair of fasteners 84. Housing 80 is preferablyconstructed of three pieces connected together by the fasteners 84. Inparticular, the housing 80 has a first housing part 85, a second housingpart 86 and a transparent cover 87 that are all fixedly coupled togetherby the fasteners 84.

[0098] The first housing part 85 and the second housing part 86 has theindicator member 81 slidably received therebetween and viewable throughthe transparent cover 87. More specifically, first housing part 85 has acavity 88 forming an indicator path with the indicator member 81 movablypositioned therein. The first housing part 85 has a first end 90, asecond end 91, a pair of lateral side walls 92 and a bottom wall 93. Thefirst end 90 has a hook 94 for fastening the biasing member 83 thereto,while the second end 91 has a semi-circular groove or recess 96. Morespecifically, recess 96 forms half of an indicator cable receivingopening that is a step-shaped bore.

[0099] The side walls 92 each has a stopper or abutment 97 extendinginwardly into the cavity 88. These stoppers 97 are substantially alignedwith each other and spaced apart to form a slit 99, which is largeenough that the cable hook adapter 82 and a portion of the biasingmember 83 can pass therethrough. However, this slit 99 is smaller thanthe width of the indicator member 81 so that the indicator member 81cannot pass therethrough.

[0100] The second housing part 86 is substantially identical to thefirst housing part 85, except that it is a mirror image of the firsthousing part 85 and also includes a viewing window 100 formed in itsupper surface for receiving transparent cover 87 therein. Morespecifically, second housing part 86 has a longitudinally extendingcavity 101 that joins with the cavity 88 of the first housing part 85.Also, a pair of stoppers 102 extend inwardly into the cavity 101 insubstantially the same position as the other stoppers 97 of the firsthousing part 85.

[0101] The second housing part 86 also has a longitudinally extendingrecess 103 that is a step-shaped recess having a first semi-cylindricalportion and a second semi-cylindrical portion for receiving a portion ofthe indicator cable 22 a therein. When the first and second housingparts 85 and 86 are joined together, the longitudinal recesses 96 and103 form a step-shaped bore having a first cylindrical section sized toreceive the outer casing of the indicator cable and a second cylindricalsection which allows the inner wire of the indicator cable 22 a to passtherethrough such that the end of the inner wire of indicator cable 22 acan be coupled to indicator member 81.

[0102] Indicator member 81 is frictionally retained on the cable end ofthe inner wire of the indicator cable 22 a. In other words, indicatormember 81 is normally frictionally held in its position until a force isapplied that is greater than the friction force between the indicatormember 81 and the indicator cable 22 a. Preferably, the biasing member83 has a biasing force that is greater than the friction force betweenthe indicator member 81 and the inner wire of the indicator cable 22 aas explained below. Preferably, the indicator member 81 is a hard, rigidmember constructed of a suitable material such as a plastic material.The indicator member 81 preferably extends substantially the entirewidth of the housing cavity such that the indicator member 81 does nottilt within the housing cavity.

[0103] Transparent cover 87 preferably includes a gear position indiciaportion 110 having a plurality of markings (seven) graphicallyrepresenting the size of the gear that is currently being utilized. Inother words, when the indicator member 81 is aligned with one of themarks, this will indicate which gear is engaged by the chain 16.

[0104] Cable hook adapter 82 has a transverse bore 111 and a slit 112.Transverse bore 111 receives nipple 62 of the indicator cable 22 a,while slit 112 receives the inner wire of the indicator cable 22 a suchthat cable hook adapter 82 is frictionally retained on the nipple 62 ofthe inner wire of indicator cable 22 a. Cable hook adapter 82 also has ahook 113 on the opposite end from the slit end. This hook 113 engagesone of the ends of the biasing member 83 for fastening the biasingmember 83 to the cable end of the inner wire of the indicator cable 22a.

[0105] The biasing member 83 is preferably a coil tension spring. Thebiasing member 83 has a first biasing end 114 coupled to the first cableend of the inner wire of indicator cable 22 a and a second biasing end115 coupled to the interior of the housing. More specifically, the firstbiasing end 114 has a hook that engages the hook 113 of the cable hookadapter 82. The second biasing end 115 also has a hook that engages thehook 94 of the first housing part 85.

[0106] The fasteners 84 are preferably a pair of screws and a pair ofnuts that extend through holes formed in the first housing part 85, thesecond housing part 86 and the transparent cover 87 to fixedly securethe three parts together.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment of the gear indicator 21 a, thehigh gear position or small sprocket position is located at the left endof the movement of the indicator member, while the low gear position orlarge gear position is located at the right end of the movement of theindicator member 81. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from this disclosure that the positions of the high and lowgears can be reversed. The arrangement of the gear positions on theindicator 21 a will depend upon the type of derailleur being used andthe direction of the force of the derailleur's biasing member.

[0108] When the gear indicator 21 a is assembled, and the chain 16 is onthe small sprocket, the indicator member 81 is moved to the leftmostposition (leftmost gear position mark) such that it abuts against thestoppers 97 and 102. In this position, the stoppers 97 and 102 arelocated between the indicator member 81 and the cable hook adapter 82.When the chain 16 is moved by the shift operating device 19 a, theindicator member 81 will move a predetermined distance that correspondswith the next gear position mark on the transparent cover 87. In otherwords, the gear positioning marks or indicia on the transparent cover 87are spaced predetermined distances from the stoppers 97 and 102, withthe distance from the stoppers 97 and 102 to each gear positioning marksor indicia corresponding to the distance of movement from the small gearto that particular gear. The second end or wall 91 of the cavity 88 alsoforms a stopper that corresponds to the low position or the largesprocket. Accordingly, in the event that the indicator cable 22 abecomes elongated, this indicator member 81 will automatically adjust orrecalibrate the indicator member 81 relative to the gear position marksof the housing 80. Moreover, if during assembly, the indicator member 81is accidentally moved from its set position, the indicator member 81will engage one of the stoppers so as to recalibrate or readjust theunit to its proper position.

[0109] While the gear positioned indicia portion 110 is formed on thetransparent cover 87, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that the gear position indicia portion 110 could beformed on one of the housing parts, if needed and/or desired. Inparticular, in this embodiment, it is only necessary that the gearposition indicia portion 110 be non-movably located relative to thestoppers 97 and 102.

[0110] Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, an alternate embodiment of thegear indicator 21′ is illustrated in accordance with the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the indicator member 81′ can be fixedlycoupled to the inner wire of the cable 22 a such that there is norelative movement. Rather, the automatic adjustment is accomplished byhaving the transparent cover 87′ being frictionally engaged with theupper housing part 86′, and having the stoppers 97′formed on thetransparent cover 87′. In view of the similarities between thisembodiment and the first embodiment of the gear indicator 21 a, thisembodiment of the gear indicator 21′ will not be discussed orillustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that the description of the construction andoperation of the first embodiment can be easily extrapolated to thisembodiment.

[0111] Gear indicator 21′ basically includes a housing 80′, an indicatormember 81′, a cable hook adapter 82′, a biasing member 83′ and a pair offasteners 84′. Housing 80′ is preferably constructed of three piecesconnected together by the fasteners 84′. In particular, the housing 80′has a first housing part 85′ and a second housing part 86′ that arefixedly coupled together by the fasteners 84′. A transparent cover 87′is frictionally retained with in viewing window 100′. The first housingpart 85′ and the second housing part 86′ has the indicator member 81′slidably received therebetween and viewable through the transparentcover 87′. Transparent cover 87′ is moved by stoppers 97′ being engagedwith indicator 81′ upon elongation of indicator cable 22 a ormisalignment of indicator member 81′.

[0112] Referring now to FIGS. 22 through 24, an alternate gear indicator21′″ is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the gear indicator 21′″ is no longerautomatically adjusted to compensate for elongation indicator cable 22 aor misalignment of the indicator member 81′″. In this embodiment, thestoppers have been eliminated, and the transparent cover 87′″ ismanually adjusted. This manual adjustment can occur by either having afriction fit between the transparent cover 87′″ and the fasteners 84′″or by loosening the fasteners 84′″ to allow for the transparent cover87′″ to be moved along its longitudinal axis.

[0113] Basically, the transparent cover 87′″ is provided with a pair ofelongated slots 120 with the fasteners 84′″ located therein.Accordingly, the transparent cover can be moved along the recess formedin the upper housing part. While the transparent cover 87′″ isillustrated with slots 120 that engage stationary fasteners 84′″ securedto the housing 80′″, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artfrom this disclosure that other types of sliding arrangements can beutilized. For example, the slots could be formed in the housing parts,and a pair of tabs can be extending from the transparent cover into theslots of the housing parts to control the movement of the transparentcover. In other words, the fasteners would be stationary relative to thetransparent cover, but movable relative to the upper and lower housingparts.

[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, gear indicator holder 23 willnow be discussed in more detail. Gear indicator holder 23 is designed toallow the shifting units 11 a and 11 b to be easily installed ontohandlebars 13. Moreover, the gear indicator holder 23 is designed toaccommodate various handlebars. Gear indicator holder 23 adjustablysupports gear indicators 21 a and 21 b such that gear indicators 21 aand 21 b can move in a direction that is substantially perpendicular tothe vertical center plane of the bicycle. More specifically, gearindicator holder 23 is designed to be mounted adjacent to the center ofthe handlebar 13 with the gear indicators 21 a and 21 b being slidablycoupled thereto for movement generally along the longitudinal axis ofhandlebar 13.

[0115] Basically, gear indicator holder 23 includes an attachmentportion 121 and a gear indicator support portion 122. The attachmentportion 121 is preferably a clamping member that engages the handlebar13 to secure gear indicator holder 23 to handlebar 13. In theillustrated embodiment, attachment portion 121 has a tubular clampingsection 123 that is split along its longitudinal axis to form a pair ofclamping jaws that are coupled together via a fastener 124. Of course,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat the fastener 124 can be eliminated and that a snap-on type of clampcould be utilized. In any event, it is preferred that the attachmentportion 121 be integrally formed or molded with the support portion 122as a one-piece, unitary member. Preferably, the attachment portion 121(minus the fastener 124) and the support portion 122 are formed of aplastic material.

[0116] The support portion 122 preferably includes a base having asubstantially planar support surface with six coupling members 125extending outwardly from the planar surface of the base. The couplingmembers 125 are preferably arranged in three rows so as to form a pairof retaining slots for slidably receiving gear indicators 221 a and 221b, respectively. More specifically, the coupling members 125 extendsubstantially perpendicular to the base with two of the coupling members125 being common between the two retaining slots. Each of the couplingmembers 125 has a free end with an abutment surface to retain the gearindicators 21 a and 21 b thereon. Preferably, the retaining slots areformed such that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel toeach other. These longitudinal axes are preferably also parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the handlebar at its center portion.

[0117] Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28, an alternate indicator assemblyis illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. This alternate indicator assembly has a modified gearindicator holder 223 for holding a pair of modified gear indicators 221a and 221 b. In this embodiment, gear indicator holder 223 has beensimplified and the housings of gear indicators 221 a and 221 b havemodified to be coupled together in a sliding manner.

[0118] Gear indicator holder 223 adjustably supports gear indicators 221a and 221 b such that gear indicators 221 a and 221 b can move in adirection that is substantially perpendicular to the vertical centerplane of the bicycle. More specifically, gear indicator holder 223 isdesigned to be mounted adjacent to the center of the handlebar 13 withthe gear indicators 221 a and 221 b being slidably coupled thereto formovement generally along the longitudinal axis of handlebar 13.

[0119] Basically, gear indicator holder 223 includes an attachmentportion 121′ and a gear indicator support portion 122′. The attachmentportion 121′ is preferably a clamping member that engages the handlebar13 to secure gear indicator holder 223 to handlebar 13. In theillustrated embodiment, attachment portion 121′ has a tubular clampingsection 123′ that is split along its longitudinal axis to form a pair ofclamping jaws that are coupled together via a fastener 124′. Of course,it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosurethat the fastener 124′ can be eliminated and that a snap-on type ofclamp could be utilized. In any event, it is preferred that theattachment portion 121′ be integrally formed or molded with the supportportion as a one-piece, unitary member. Preferably, the attachmentportion (minus the fastener) and the support portion are formed of aplastic material.

[0120] The support portion 122′ preferably includes a brace having asubstantially planar support surface with four coupling members 125′extending outwardly from the planar surface of the base. The couplingmembers 125′ are preferably arranged in two rows so as to form a singleretaining slot with a sliding surface on support portion 122′ forslidably receiving gear indicators 221 a and 221 b, respectively. Morespecifically, the coupling members 125′ extend substantiallyperpendicular to the base. Each of the coupling members 125′ has a freeend with an abutment surface to retain the gear indicators 221 a and 221b thereon. Preferably, the retaining slots are formed such that theirlongitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other. Theselongitudinal axes are preferably also parallel to the longitudinal axisof the handlebar at its center portion.

[0121] Gear indicators 221 a and 221 b are slidably coupled together bya rib and slot configuration. More specifically, gear indicator 221 bhas a longitudinally extending rib 230 that is integrally formed withits housing, while gear indicator 221 a has a longitudinally extendingslot 231 that is integrally formed in its housing. This rib and slotarrangement can be a mortise and tenon arrangement that holds gearindicators 221 a and 221 b together.

[0122] While several embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of theembodiments according to the present invention are provided forillustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shift operating device for a bicycle,comprising: an attachment portion adapted to be coupled to a portion ofa handlebar of the bicycle; a hand operating portion coupled to saidattachment portion to move between a plurality of shifting positions;and a take up member operatively coupled to said hand operating portionto move in response to movement of said hand operating portion, saidtake up member having a peripheral winding surface, a first cableattachment point and a second cable attachment point, said first andsecond cable attachment points of said take up member being located suchthat first and second cables extend outwardly from said take up memberand winds about said peripheral winding surface.
 2. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 1, wherein said hand operating portion is apivotally mounted lever.
 3. A shift operating device according to claim2, wherein said take up member has a first peripheral surface forguiding the first cable.
 4. A shift operating device according to claim3, wherein said take up member has a second peripheral surface forguiding the second cable.
 5. A shift operating device according to claim2, further comprising a first cable housing support located adjacentsaid take up member, and having a first cable housing receiving bore. 6.A shift operating device according to claim 5, further comprising asecond cable housing support is located adjacent said take up member,and having a second cable housing receiving bore.
 7. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 6, wherein said second cable housing receivingbore is substantially same diameter as said first cable housingreceiving bore.
 8. A shift operating device according to claim 6,wherein said second cable housing receiving bore has a smaller diameterthan said first cable housing receiving bore.
 9. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 6, wherein said second cable housing supporthas a slit extending from said second cable housing receiving bore. 10.A shift operating device according to claim 6, wherein said first andsecond cable housing supports are located adjacent each other and extendlongitudinally in substantially the same direction.
 11. A shiftoperating device according to claim 2, wherein said second cable is anindicator cable having a nipple formed at both ends and one of saidnipples is coupled to said second cable attachment point.
 12. A shiftoperating device according to claim 1, wherein said first cable is ashift cable with a first shift cable end coupled to said first cableattachment point.
 13. A shift operating device according to claim 12,wherein said second cable is an indicator cable with a first indicatorcable end coupled to said second cable attachment point.
 14. A shiftoperating device according to claim 1, wherein said hand operatingportion includes a tubular hand actuator.
 15. A shift operating deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein said tubular hand actuator is rotatablymounted about a first longitudinal axis of the portion of the handle barof the bicycle.
 16. A shift operating device according to claim 15,wherein a take up member rotates about a second longitudinal axis.
 17. Ashift operating device according to claim 16, wherein said firstlongitudinal axis of said tubular hand actuator is substantially axiallyaligned with said second longitudinal axis of said take up member.
 18. Ashift operating device according to claim 14, wherein said take upmember has a first peripheral surface for guiding said first cable. 19.A shift operating device according to claim 18, wherein said take upmember has a second peripheral surface for guiding said second cable.20. A shift operating device according to claim 14, further comprising afirst cable housing support is located adjacent said take up member, andhas a first cable housing receiving bore.
 21. A shift operating deviceaccording to claim 20, wherein a second cable housing support is locatedadjacent said take up member, and has a second indicator cable housingreceiving bore.
 22. A shift operating device according to claim 21,wherein said second cable housing receiving bore is substantially samediameter as said first cable housing receiving bore.
 23. A shiftoperating device according to claim 21, wherein said second cablehousing receiving bore has a smaller diameter than said first cablehousing receiving bore.
 24. A shift operating device according to claim21, wherein said first cable housing support includes a firstlongitudinally movable adjustment member with said first cable housingreceiving bore formed therein.
 25. A shift operating device according toclaim 24, wherein said second cable support includes a secondlongitudinally movable adjustment member with said second cable housingreceiving bore formed therein.
 26. A shift operating device according toclaim 21, wherein said second cable housing support has a slit extendingfrom said second cable housing receiving bore.
 27. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 21, wherein said first and second cablehousing receiving bores are located adjacent each other and extendlongitudinally in substantially the same direction.
 28. A shiftoperating device according to claim 14, wherein said second cable has anipple formed at both ends and one of said nipples is coupled to saidsecond cable attachment point.
 29. A shift operating device according toclaim 14, wherein said take up member includes a first take up part anda second take up part.
 30. A shift operating device according to claim29, wherein said first take up part rotates about a first longitudinalaxis.
 31. A shift operating device according to claim 30, wherein saidsecond take up part rotates about a second longitudinal axis of theportion of the handle bar of the bicycle.
 32. A shift operating deviceaccording to claim 31, wherein said second take up part is operativelyconnected to said first take up part by a connecting cable.
 33. A shiftoperating device according to claim 29, wherein said first take up parthas a first peripheral surface for guiding said first cable.
 34. A shiftoperating device according to claim 33, wherein said first take up parthas a second peripheral surface for guiding said second cable.
 35. Ashift operating device according to claim 34, wherein said first take uppart has a third peripheral surface for guiding a third cable.
 36. Ashift operating device according to claim 35, wherein said third cableis operatively coupled between said first and second take up parts. 37.A shift operating device according to claim 29, further comprising afirst cable housing support located adjacent said first take up part,and having a first cable housing receiving bore.
 38. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 37, further comprising a second cable housingsupport located adjacent said first take up part, and having a secondcable housing receiving bore.
 39. A shift operating device according toclaim 38, wherein said second cable housing receiving bore issubstantially same diameter as said first cable housing receiving bore.40. A shift operating device according to claim 38, wherein said secondcable housing receiving bore has a smaller diameter than said firstcable housing receiving bore.
 41. A shift operating device according toclaim 38, wherein said second cable housing support has a slit extendingfrom said second cable housing receiving bore.
 42. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 38, wherein said first cable housing supportincludes a first longitudinally movable adjustment member with saidfirst cable housing receiving bore formed therein.
 43. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 42, wherein said second cable support includesa second longitudinally movable adjustment member with said second cablehousing receiving bore formed therein.
 44. A shift operating deviceaccording to claim 38, wherein said first and second cable housingreceiving bores are located adjacent each other and extendlongitudinally in substantially the same direction.
 45. A shiftoperating device for a bicycle, comprising: an attachment portionadapted to be coupled to a portion of a handlebar of the bicycle; a handoperating portion movably coupled relative to said attachment portion;and a take up member operatively coupled to said hand operating portionto move in response to movement of said hand operating portion, saidtake up member having a first cable attachment point and a second cableattachment point; a first cable housing support located adjacent saidtake up member, and having a first cable housing receiving bore to guidesaid first cable from said take up member; and a second cable housingsupport located adjacent said first cable housing support, and having asecond cable housing receiving bore to guide a second cable from saidtake up member, said second cable housing receiving bore being arrangedto extend longitudinally in substantially the same direction as saidfirst cable housing receiving bore.
 46. A shift operating deviceaccording to claim 45, wherein said hand operating portion is apivotally mounted lever.
 47. A shift operating device according to claim46, wherein said take up member has a first peripheral surface forguiding the first cable.
 48. A shift operating device according to claim47, wherein said take up member has a second peripheral surface forguiding the second cable.
 49. A shift operating device according toclaim 46, wherein said second cable housing receiving bore issubstantially same diameter as said first cable housing receiving bore.50. A shift operating device according to claim 46, wherein said secondcable housing receiving bore has a smaller diameter than said firstcable housing receiving bore.
 51. A shift operating device according toclaim 46, wherein said second cable housing support has a slit extendingfrom said second cable housing receiving bore.
 52. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 46, wherein said second cable is an indicatorcable having a nipple formed at both ends and one of said nipples iscoupled to said second cable attachment point.
 53. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 45, wherein said hand operating portionincludes a tubular hand actuator.
 54. A shift operating device accordingto claim 53, wherein said tubular hand actuator is rotatably mountedabout a first longitudinal axis of the portion of the handle bar of thebicycle.
 55. A shift operating device according to claim 54, whereinsaid take up member rotates about a second longitudinal axis.
 56. Ashift operating device according to claim 55, wherein said firstlongitudinal axis of said tubular hand actuator is substantially axiallyaligned with said second longitudinal axis of said take up member.
 57. Ashift operating device according to claim 55, wherein said take upmember has a first peripheral surface for guiding the first cable.
 58. Ashift operating device according to claim 57, wherein said take upmember has a second peripheral groove surface for guiding the secondcable.
 59. A shift operating device according to claim 53, wherein saidsecond cable housing receiving bore is substantially same diameter assaid first cable housing receiving bore.
 60. A shift operating deviceaccording to claim 53, wherein said second cable housing receiving borehas a smaller diameter than said first cable housing receiving bore. 61.A shift operating device according to claim 53, wherein said first cablehousing support includes a first longitudinally movable adjustmentmember with said first cable housing receiving bore formed therein. 62.A shift operating device according to claim 61, wherein said secondcable support includes a second longitudinally movable adjustment memberwith said second cable housing receiving bore formed therein.
 63. Ashift operating device according to claim 53, wherein said second cablehousing support has a slit extending from said second cable housingreceiving bore.
 64. A shift operating device according to claim 53,wherein said second cable has a nipple formed at both ends and one ofsaid nipples is coupled to said second cable attachment point.
 65. Ashift operating device according to claim 53, wherein said take upmember includes a first take up part and a second take up part.
 66. Ashift operating device according to claim 65, wherein said first take uppart rotates about a first longitudinal axis.
 67. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 66, wherein said second take up part rotatesabout a second longitudinal axis of the portion of the handle bar of thebicycle.
 68. A shift operating device according to claim 67, whereinsaid second take up part is operatively connected to said first take uppart by a connecting cable.
 69. A shift operating device according toclaim 65, wherein said take up member has a first peripheral groove forguiding the first cable.
 70. A shift operating device according to claim69, wherein said take up member has a second peripheral groove surfacefor guiding the second cable.
 71. A shift operating device according toclaim 70, wherein said first take up part has a third peripheral surfacefor guiding a third cable.
 72. A shift operating device according toclaim 71, wherein said third cable is operatively coupled between saidfirst and second take up parts.
 73. A shift operating device accordingto claim 65, wherein said second cable housing receiving bore issubstantially same diameter as said first cable housing receiving bore.74. A shift operating device according to claim 72, wherein said secondcable housing receiving bore has a smaller diameter than said firstcable housing receiving bore.
 75. A shift operating device according toclaim 72, wherein said second cable housing support has a slit extendingfrom said second cable housing receiving bore.
 76. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 72, wherein said first cable housing supportincludes a first longitudinally movable adjustment member with saidfirst cable housing receiving bore formed therein.
 77. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 76, wherein said second cable support includesa second longitudinally movable adjustment member with said second cablehousing receiving bore formed therein.
 78. A shift operating device fora bicycle, comprising: an attachment portion adapted to be coupled to aportion of a bicycle; a hand operating portion movably coupled to saidattachment portion; a take up member operatively coupled to said handoperating portion to move in response to movement of said hand operatingportion, said take up member having a shift cable attachment point andan indicator cable attachment point, said take up member having aperipheral winding surface; an indicator cable having a first end and asecond end with said first end located in said peripheral surface ofsaid take up member; and a gear indicator having an indicator housingwith an indicator member coupled to said second end of said indicatorcable for movement of said indicator member relative to said indicatorhousing.
 79. A shift operating device according to claim 78, whereinsaid hand operating portion is a pivotally mounted lever.
 80. A shiftoperating device according to claim 79, wherein said take up member hasa first peripheral surface for guiding a shift cable.
 81. A shiftoperating device according to claim 80, wherein said take up member hasa second peripheral surface for guiding said indicator cable.
 82. Ashift operating device according to claim 79, further comprising ashifting cable housing support located adjacent said take up member, andhaving a shift cable housing receiving bore.
 83. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 82, further comprising an indicator cablehousing support located adjacent said take up member, and having anindicator cable housing receiving bore.
 84. A shift operating deviceaccording to claim 83, wherein said indicator cable housing receivingbore is substantially same diameter as said shift cable housingreceiving bore.
 85. A shift operating device according to claim 84,wherein said indicator cable housing receiving bore has a smallerdiameter than said shift cable housing receiving bore.
 86. A shiftoperating device according to claim 84, wherein said shift cable housingsupport and said indicator cable housing support are located adjacenteach other and extend longitudinally in substantially the samedirection.
 87. A shift operating device according to claim 79, whereinsaid second cable is an indicator cable having a nipple formed at bothends and one of said nipples is coupled to said second cable attachmentpoint.
 88. A shift operating device according to claim 78, wherein saidhand operating portion includes a tubular hand actuator.
 89. A shiftoperating device according to claim 88, wherein said tubular handactuator is rotatably mounted about a first longitudinal axis of theportion of the handle bar of the bicycle.
 90. A shift operating deviceaccording to claim 89, wherein a take up member rotates about a secondlongitudinal axis.
 91. A shift operating device according to claim 90,wherein said first longitudinal axis of said tubular hand actuator issubstantially axially aligned with said second longitudinal axis of saidtake up member.
 92. A shift operating device according to claim 88,wherein said take up member has a first peripheral surface for guidingsaid shift cable.
 93. A shift operating device according to claim 92,wherein said take up member has a second peripheral surface for guidingsaid second cable.
 94. A shift operating device according to claim 88,further comprising a shift cable housing support located adjacent saidtake up member, and having a shift cable housing receiving bore.
 95. Ashift operating device according to claim 94, further comprising anindicator cable housing support located adjacent said take up member,and having an indicator cable housing receiving bore.
 96. A shiftoperating device according to claim 95, wherein said indicator cablehousing receiving bore is substantially same diameter as said shiftcable housing receiving bore.
 97. A shift operating device according toclaim 95, wherein said indicator cable housing receiving bore has asmaller diameter than said shift cable housing receiving bore.
 98. Ashift operating device according to claim 95, wherein said shift cablehousing receiving bore and said indicator cable housing receiving boreare located adjacent each other and extend longitudinally insubstantially the same direction.
 99. A shift operating device accordingto claim 88, wherein said indicator cable has a nipple formed at bothends and one of said nipples is coupled to said indicator cableattachment point.
 100. A shift operating device according to claim 88,wherein said take up member includes a first take up part and a secondtake up part.
 101. A shift operating device according to claim 100,wherein said first take up part rotates about a first longitudinal axis.102. A shift operating device according to claim 101, wherein saidsecond take up part rotates about a second longitudinal axis of theportion of the handle bar of the bicycle.
 103. A shift operating deviceaccording to claim 102, wherein said second take up part is operativelyconnected to said first take up part by a connecting cable.
 104. A shiftoperating device according to claim 101, wherein said first take up parthas a first peripheral surface for guiding said first cable.
 105. Ashift operating device according to claim 104, wherein said first takeup part has a second peripheral surface for guiding said second cable.106. A shift operating device according to claim 105, wherein said firsttake up part has a third peripheral surface for guiding a third cable.107. A shift operating device according to claim 106, wherein said thirdcable is operatively coupled between said first and second take upparts.
 108. A shift operating device according to claim 100, furthercomprising a shift cable housing support is located adjacent said firsttake up part, and has a shift cable housing receiving bore.
 109. A shiftoperating device according to claim 108, further comprising an indicatorcable housing support is located adjacent said first take up part, andhas an indicator cable housing receiving bore.
 110. A shift operatingdevice according to claim 109, wherein said indicator cable housingreceiving bore is substantially same diameter as said shift cablehousing receiving bore.
 111. A shift operating device according to claim109, wherein said indicator cable housing receiving bore has a smallerdiameter than said shift cable housing receiving bore.
 112. A shiftoperating device according to claim 109, wherein said shift cablehousing receiving bore and said indicator cable housing receiving boreare located adjacent each other and extend longitudinally insubstantially the same direction.